- The party claimed that despite submitting formal requests and prior communication
- the refusal was in line with a court order that clearly defines the categories of people permitted to see El-Rufai while in ICPC custody.
- The commission therefore maintained that the ADC delegation did not fall within the approved categories
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified why leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were denied access to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while in custody.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the decision was based on existing court directives governing access to the former governor.
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The clarification followed allegations by the ADC that its officials were prevented from meeting El-Rufai at the commission’s Abuja facility on Friday, while also accusing the anti-graft agency of intimidation through a heavy security presence.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the delegation included former Osun State governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, alongside the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee Secretary, Salihu Lukman.
The party claimed that despite submitting formal requests and prior communication, members of the delegation were refused access without explanation.
ADC further alleged that the atmosphere around the facility became tense after several trucks carrying armed police officers arrived while they awaited a response.
However, Odey said the commission had formally communicated its decision through a letter dated May 21, 2026, which was acknowledged by the party the following day.
According to him, the refusal was in line with a court order that clearly defines the categories of people permitted to see El-Rufai while in ICPC custody.
The letter, signed by the commission’s Director of Operations, S. Yahaya, stated that El-Rufai is currently facing trial before both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
It added that although he remains in ICPC custody by court order, only his family members, legal representatives and medical personnel have been granted access.
The commission therefore maintained that the ADC delegation did not fall within the approved categories and its request could not be approved.
Odey also rejected claims of intimidation, insisting that the police presence at the commission’s premises was part of routine security arrangements.
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